Day 24

Today began the Christmas Transformation at the Snider house.  And boy, does it take a lot of work!  I tend to forget the effort that it takes to get everything decorated.  Can you relate?  In order to begin decorating, I had some much overdue dusting to do.  Then, we had to rearrange the toy room, because that's where the Christmas tree resides.  Not only did we have to rearrange the toy room, but we also had to find some new homes for the toys.  Thankfully, we had some tubs that could serve as toy chests and it gave us an opportunity to select some toys to give away because the boys outgrew them. 

After dusting, rearranging and vacuuming, it was time... to bring down the tree.  My hubby had the mood set with a fire in the fireplace and Christmas music playing in the background.  He got the tree set up, and my boys discovered patches without lights.  Never a good sign when you have a pre-lit tree.  But that gave us the excuse to put off decorating until tomorrow, since it was time for the boys to go to bed anyway.  My hubby was able to fix the light issue, so now we have a beautiful, undecorated tree waiting for the transformation tomorrow. 

Christmas decorating is lots of work, but the outcome is so worth it.  Giving thanks can be like this too.  If you're having a rough day, it can be a lot of work to choose thankfulness.  But taking the time to give thanks is so worth it because it helps you think about things that are true, right, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).  Giving thanks changes your perspective and reminds you that there are blessings all around you... you just might have to take a little time to notice them.  So keep your eyes open for all the blessings and take time to "always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Ephesians 5:20

Tonight, I am thankful for...

1.  My comfy mattress and warm down comforter
2.  Mommy/son date with my seven-year old
3.  Mommy/son lunch with my three-year old at Panera - his choice!
4.  My seven-year old going to the football game with his dad, grandparents, uncle and cousin
5.  Getting started on my photo calendars - the earliest I've ever gotten started!!

 

6.  The sight of our Christmas tree lit up
7.  The sound of the crackling fire
8.  Christmas deals at Lifeway
9.  Whoopee cushion and the joy it brought my boys
10.  My dishwasher

Here's to 10,000 reasons... Only 7,290 to go...